"SKYPE HOME"

 

 

The missionaries gathered at the Sombula flat where Skype was

 downloaded on three Ipads and one computer.  Telephones

were provided to those who wanted to call instead of Skype.

Each missionary found a quiet spot to contact family members

to wish them a Merry Christmas, share testimonies of missionary work

and the Savior and enjoy some "down" time together. 

The five hours quickly flew by and then it was back to "work".

 



"CELEBRATTION"

 

 

The birth of the Savior is reason to celebrate. The men and boys

prepare the lovo.  The women and girls cook the food and

decorate the hall.  The preparations take the entire day.

Dinner was served at 5--pork, fish, chicken, walipoki, watermelon

ice-cream and cake and or course cassava.

Gary and I were surprised when we were made the honorary

special guests.  Gary shared his testimony of the Savior

and love for the People in Taveuni.

 

"SECRET SANTA"

 

Our family Christmas project this year included help from

a ward in Idaho Falls and one in Burley.  In September Jessica and Erin

asked the members of their wards to donate their used white shirts and

ties to Priesthood holders in Taveuni.  The members of the wards

responded with boxes of white shirts and hundreds of ties.  Money

was also donated to help with shipping.

The saints in Taveuni loved receiving their "NEW"

clothes and we felt like "Secret Santa"

It really is better to give than to receive.



"GRADUATION DAY'

Gary and I were special guests at the Kindergarten Graduation where

we volunteer once each week.  Parents honored their

children for being prepared to enter form 1.

Our speech included appreciation for the

Savior;s example when he said

"Suffer the children to come unto me."

"SUVA"

 

Experiencing busy and crowded Suva where homes are behind locked gates and

traffic goes every which way on beautiful paved roads

 made us grateful for our lives

on the peaceful island of Taveuni with its bumpy roads and open neighborhoods.

We loved shopping in the down town area and enjoyed a visit

to Pacific Harbor. We spent time with other Senior Couples and even ate at McDonalds.

Our greatest joy was finding solace in the temple.



"CHRISTMAS"

 

 

When the Sekoula tree blossoms it means

that Christmas is near.  Suva City lights a tree in the park and

hotels attract tourists with decorations in the lobby.

Shop owners play Christmas Music.

We thanked the non-Christian shop owners for playing music

heralding the birth of the Savior.

 

"FEED ME"

 Mission Tour with Elder Pearson of the 70

 



 Preparing Christmas Dinner for 40

 

 Happy Birthday Elder Brouwer

 

 

We take our truck to Vanua Levu to be serviced. This time we

used time in-between Zone Conference and Mission Tour to got new tires. 

 It felt like we were feeding the 5000 as we tried to fill the appetites of 40 hungry missionaries.

Once fed physically we were able to watch as they were fed spiritually by

a General Authority, Elder Pearson.